Enforcement


Bulkhead Maker to Pay for Unreported Use of Styrene

Exposure to the toxic chemical can affect the nervous system and can cause changes in color vision, fatigue, slowed reaction time, concentration problems, and balance problems.

McDonald's Pays $90K to Settle Disability Discrimination Lawsuit

A lot and lobby worker at a Philadelphia McDonald’s was threatened with a box cutter from a co-worker, and was compelled to quit due to the unchecked verbal and physical abuse, EEOC said.

Railroad Company to Pay $4 Million for Chlorine Spill

The settlement addresses the Jan. 6, 2005, Norfolk Southern train derailment in Graniteville, S.C., that resulted in the death of nine people from chlorine exposure, hundreds of people seeking medical care due to respiratory distress, and the evacuation of more than 5,000 people living and working within a 1-mile radius of the release area.

OSHA Sends Notice to 15,000 High-Injury Workplaces

"Employers whose businesses have injury and illness rates this high need to take immediate steps to protect their workers," said OSHA head Dr. David Michaels.

OSHA's Ergonomics Fight Rejoined

Today's public hearing about OSHA's proposed restoration of an OSHA 300 log column for recording musculoskeletal disorders allows the two sides to again stake out positions for and against any form of ergonomics regulation.

Ohio Refinery Pays $969,182 in Back Wages

The violations began when Husky Energy changed eight-hour shifts to 12-hour shifts for some of its workers, which resulted in alternating work weeks of 60 and 24 hours. A second violation was found involving the employer's not including a shift differential in the overtime pay.

Cyrus R. Vance, Jr., became District Attorney of New York County on Jan. 1, 2010.

NY Crane Collapse Defendants Plead Not Guilty

DA Cyrus R. Vance Jr. announced multiple manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide counts on Monday in connection with the May 30, 2008, collapse of a tower crane in Manhattan. Defendants James Lomma and Tibor Varganyi entered not guilty pleas today.

OSHA Orders Technology Firm to Rehire Whistleblower, Pay Him $600K

The agency's investigation substantiated the employee's complaint that his job duties were systematically removed and his paychecks were delayed and ultimately stopped after he questioned the accuracy of several statements made in the company's SEC filings.



Order Shuts Down Bus Operator in Phoenix Crash

DOT says the company did not have operating authority registration to provide transportation within the United States, and a federal judge signed an order on Saturday enjoining it from operating until it obtains FMCSA registration.

Another Big Fine, $3,042,000, Issued to BP

Under a pair of 50/50 joint ventures with Husky Energy, BP operates the 91-year old Toledo Refinery near Toledo, Ohio, that processes crude from Canadian oil sands into gasoline and other products.

Outdoor Lighting Fixtures Recalled for Shock Hazard

Improper wiring in model AVL lighting fixtures poses a shock hazard for consumers.

States Still Improving Work Zone Scores

The 2009 scores on FHWA's Work Zone Mobility and Safety Self Assessment tool are the highest yet, indicating the state departments continue to make progress on their oversight and management.

USDA Launches Initiative to Improve Mississippi River Water Quality

Among the most significant challenges facing the river is the runoff of excess nutrients from manure and commercial fertilizer, specifically nitrogen and phosphorus.

Wholesale Food Distributor Cited for 'Cross Section' of Warehouse Woes

An inspection found workers unable to open emergency exit doors from inside the workplace; a lack of specific procedures to lock out machine power sources; missing guardrails; improperly stored oxygen cylinders; several electrical hazards; and more.

EPA Seeks Comments on Boats' 'Gray Water' Discharges

At issue is the potential negative impact on water quality from incidental discharges such as deck run-off and gray water from fishing vessels, tugboats, water taxis, tour boats, fire boats, and similar vessels less than 79 feet.

Chris Patton, CSP, president of ASSE

ASSE, AIHA Offer Creative Ideas

The March 4 "OSHA Listens" meeting did not lack for out-of-the-box thinking. What OSHA does with the input from ASSE President Chris Patton and others is the crucial part, of course.

Wal-Mart to Pay More Than $11.7 Million to Settle Sex Discrimination Suit

Kentucky distribution facility denied jobs to female applicants on a systemic basis, EEOC charged.

New England Contractor Fined for Asbestos Hazards, Respiratory Deficiencies

"OSHA standards are designed to minimize the risk of exposure and its potential impact on workers' health, but they are effective only so long as employers adhere to them," said Brenda Gordon, OSHA's area director for Boston and southeastern Massachusetts.

Kansas Fire Service Helps Defeat 'Dangerous' Anti-Sprinkler Bill

“This bill was a step in the wrong direction,” said Chief Bob McLemore, president of the Kansas State Association of Fire Chiefs. “Instead of denying jurisdictions the ability to better protect their citizens, we need to be working to provide a higher level of fire protection.”

OSHA Presses Printing Plant for Improvements, Fines Facility $62,350

Specifically, the agency found instances of improper transfer and storage of flammable liquids; lack of specific lockout/tagout procedures and training to prevent the unintended startup of machines during maintenance; lack of hearing protection; inadequate respirator training, fit-testing, medical evaluation, inspection, and maintenance; unguarded grinders; and more.

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